Comparison of effectiveness of prevention and control measures for clusters and outbreaks of priority communicable diseases in Hubei, 2017

ObjectiveTo analyze the characteristics of cluster and outbreaks of major acute communicable diseases in Hubei province in 2017 and compare the effectiveness of different prevention and control measures.

MethodsAn active surveillance system for clusters or outbreaks of communicable diseases in Hubei was established. Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the constituent and place distribution of cluster and outbreaks of communicable diseases in Hubei and compare the effectiveness of epidemic control measures by logistic regression analysis.

ResultsA total of 1 128 clusters or outbreaks were detected in Hubei in 2017. In clusters, hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) accounted for highest proportion (46.6%), and in outbreaks, influenza accounted for highest proportion (46.1%). Schools were the main places where the outbreak occurred (95.1%). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that the effective cluster control measures included school suspension (OR＝0.191, 95%CI: 0.116−0.314), environmental disinfection (OR＝0.505, 95%CI: 0.320−0.798) or health education (OR＝0.395, 95%CI: 0.230−0.679). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the effective outbreak control measures included school suspension (OR＝0.187, 95%CI: 0.111−0.314) or health education (OR＝0.439, 95%CI: 0.233−0.825).

ConclusionThe priority acute communicable diseases detected in clusters or outbreaks in Hubei in 2017 were HFMD, varicella and mumps, which were mainly transmitted through respiratory tract and personal contact. The most effective control measures were school suspension or health education, which should be implemented as early as possible, and other prevention and control measures must also be implemented in parallel.